For more information, contact Rod Massman at 573-751-7476 or Kristi Jamison at (573) 526-2482.

March 11, 2011 02:38 PM

Missouri River Runner Nearly Doubles Capacity March 12-13

JEFFERSON CITY - As fuel prices continue to rise, so do the number of passengers on the Missouri River Runner. In fact, a heightened demand for seats caused Amtrak to add two additional coach class cars on the St. Louis to Kansas City passenger rail corridor for all trains the weekend of March 12-13, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

So far this fiscal year, which began in June, the Missouri River Runner has seen a jump in passengers of nearly 16 percent. Amtrak ridership nationwide is up 6 percent.

"People like the convenience of riding the train and are finding it's a very economical way to travel," said Rod Massman, Rail Administrator for the Missouri Department of Transportation. "We are pleased that the Missouri River Runner service has grown in reliability, especially for Missourians who depend on alternative transportation options to connect them to their families, businesses and jobs."

Amtrak trains have been supported by the state financially since 1979. Growth in ridership increases ticket revenues and helps keep the state's costs for the service down. Plus, over the past year, Missouri has received $37 million from the Federal Railroad Administration to improve capacity along the corridor and conduct a comprehensive state rail plan. These projects will add capacity and build an even better and more reliable passenger train service across Missouri.

For more information about Amtrak's Missouri River Runner schedules and fares, go to www.morail.org or call 800-USA-RAIL.